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January 10, 2026

Quote of the week

"Folklore, legends, myths and fairy tales have followed childhood through the ages, for every healthy youngster has a wholesome and instinctive love for stories fantastic, marvelous and manifestly unreal. The winged fairies of Grimm and Andersen have brought more happiness to childish hearts than all other human creations."

– L. Frank Baum, The Wizard of Oz

Last chance – Aquatics Survey closes soon

The City of Menlo Park is interested in hearing residents' views about the City's aquatics programs. The City owns two aquatics centers: Belle Haven Pool at 100 Terminal Ave. and Burgess Pool at 501 Laurel Ave. Menlo Swim and Sport operates both pools under contract with the City of Menlo Park. Please share your views by taking this quick five-minute survey by Jan. 18. Your feedback helps us to improve. Thank you for your help!

Take the aquatics survey

Arrillaga Family Gymnastics Center temporary closure

The Arrillaga Family Gymnastics Center remains closed due to storm-related water damage. City teams are working to repair the damage and safely reopen the gymnastics center as soon as possible. Participants have been contacted about class impacts. For any questions about the closure, please contact Megan Woolley at mcwoolley@menlopark.gov or 650.330.2224.

Library Adventure – A Journey Through Oz! 

Suit up for adventure and join us for some Wizard of Oz themed fun as you discover the secrets of the Menlo Park Library. This all-ages event features three self-led quests at different levels of difficulty. Try one or take on all three challenges — it's up to you! The more quests you complete, the more prizes you may win. This free event received support through Measure K funding offered by the Peninsula Library System. Join us on Tuesday, Jan. 27, from 3:30–7 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover

Bring your plush stuffie to the library as you join us for an evening storytime. Then, say goodnight to your stuffed friend and go home for the night. When you pick up your toy the next day, you’ll learn all about their overnight adventures at the library! Available at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave., and Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., on Friday, Jan. 16, from 5:15–5:45 p.m.

Internet Safety Training: Intro to Digital Dangers

Parents, join us for an engaging and interactive workshop designed to help you understand today’s online risks for youth. Learn practical tips, raise awareness and discover helpful resources to better protect our children in the digital world. This free event is presented by Knot our Kids. Participate on Tuesday, Jan. 13, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more and reserve your spot.

Winter Reads is melting away this week

There’s still time to participate in Winter Reads and start the new year on a reading roll! Participants who achieve their reading goals may earn a free book donated by Friends of Menlo Park Library. Winter Reads registration closes on Jan. 17. Learn more.

Teen Short Story Contest (eighth–12th graders in San Mateo County)

The libraries in San Mateo County are teaming up to hold a Teen Short Story Contest! Submissions are now open for eighth–12th graders in San Mateo County until Jan. 23. Winners will be announced in Belmont on Feb. 28 at the Young Adult Novelists Convention. Learn more.

New Year, New Library Card Designs

Community members were invited to submit original artwork for new library card designs inspired by the theme “My Library Adventure in Menlo Park.” We are pleased to share the five designs that were selected to be on the next generation of library cards (available soon).

Thank you to all the gifted artists who participated, the Menlo Park Library Foundation for funding support, all who contributed to the selection of the final card designs and to the selected artists: Adele C., Cleo L., Emma F., Jeanne L. and Naomi L.

All 35 submissions are currently on display at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., through Jan. 15. View the selected designs and learn more.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Closure

City facilities will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

Parking lot closures for solar photovoltaic construction

Kelly Field parking lot, 100 Terminal Ave.
The parking lot is closed due to construction Monday–Friday, from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Construction is estimated to be completed in April. Kelly Park track and field will remain open and accessible. We encourage carpooling or public transportation during construction due to limited parking. Learn more.

Arrillaga Family Gymnastics Center, 510 Laurel St.
Work is expected to begin Friday, Jan. 23. Access to the parking lot near the gymnastics center is expected to be closed or extremely limited until March 2. Alternative parking locations include the City Council Chamber lot at 751 Laurel St., Burgess Tennis Courts lot at the corner of Laurel Street and Burgess Drive and the Burgess Baseball Field lot on Alma Street.

Learn more about the shuttles and view updates. 

Spring Break Camp at Burgess Pool

Camp Menlo Swim is back for Spring Break at Burgess Pool! Join Menlo Swim & Sport for a week of fun and learning. For ages five–12, campers will receive a 30-minute lesson tailored to their skill level. All levels of water comfort are welcome. Campers will also enjoy activities such as open swim, field games and creative crafts. By the end of the week, they’ll have gained new skills, friendships and lasting memories. Spring Break Camp will run April 6–10, from 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at Burgess Pool, 700 Burgess Dr. Registration is open now.

Summer Swim Camps in Menlo Park

Dive into summer with one of the amazing camps offered at Menlo Swim & Sport. Burgess and Belle Haven Pool offer camps for kids aged five–14 with plenty of swim-friendly options! Camp runs June 8–Aug. 14, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. with after-camp care available from 1:30–4:30 p.m. Resident and hyperlocal discounts are available. Registration is open now.

Save the date for these upcoming community events!

Community Fun Run “2026K”
It’s a new year and the City of Menlo Park is planning its first ever 6K fun run. Participants of all ages and fitness levels are welcome! Registration will open soon, so start breaking in your running or walking shoes. Stay tuned for more information. Participate on Saturday, April 25, at 9 a.m. at Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

Black Liberation Month celebration
Join us for a celebration in honor of 100 years of Black History Month that brings together culture, creativity and reflection. Enjoy a walkthrough of Black history decade by decade, cultural entertainment and complimentary refreshments (quantities limited). Participate on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 1–4 p.m. at Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

More free literary and cultural programs 

These free literary and cultural programs received funding support from Friends of Menlo Park Library.

• English Conversation Club. Meet other English language learners and work with our literacy staff and volunteer tutors. Join us from noon–1 p.m. on Tuesdays at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., or on Saturdays at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave.
• Storytime. Join us for 30-minute-long storytimes at the library. Children and their caregivers will enjoy interactive early learning, featuring stories, songs and fun! 
  • Belle Haven Library – Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m., Fridays at 5:15 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:15 a.m.
  • Menlo Park Library – Thursdays at 10:15 a.m., Fridays at 10:15 a.m. and Saturdays at 11:15 a.m.
• Teen Media Nights. Teens, come watch movies and play video games in the library! Join us on Wednesdays from 3:30–5:30 p.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave., or Fridays from 3:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St.
• Fiction Book Group Discussion. Join our fiction book group online to discuss The Leopard by Giuseppe di Lampedusa. Participate online via Zoom on Tuesday, Jan. 13, from 6:30–7:45 p.m. Learn more.
• Teen Book Group (ages 12–17). Join us as we read and discuss this month’s book, Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger. Participate on Tuesday, Jan. 13, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
• Virtual Visit: The National Steinbeck Center. Zoom with us to Salinas, California, the birthplace of John Steinbeck and now home to the National Steinbeck Center dedicated to the famed author’s creative legacy. Join us online via Zoom on Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Learn more.
• Middle Grade Book Group. Join us to discuss this month’s book, Zeyna Lost and Found by Shafaq Khan and meet Shafaq in person for a visit and some fun activities. Participate on Saturday, Jan. 17, from 4–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
• Instrument Petting Zoo. No animals here — it’s an interactive concert and instrument petting zoo, especially for curious minds under 10! Join us on Sunday, Jan. 18, from 11 a.m.–noon at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.
• Tea and Tarot. Join us for tea around the tarot deck on Sunday, Jan. 18, from 3–4 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

Check out more free community programs
The above was just a sample of the many free activities hosted by the City of Menlo Park this week. Check out the community events calendar to see them all!

See more free programs